Going into a game without the feeling of apprehension that has preceded a large percentage of Everton games in recent history is something that must be enjoyed by every Evertonian. They have one person to really thank, and that person is David Moyes.
The story of Everton’s revival began in 1998 with a small advert in several national newspapers, an advert from Everton Football Club looking for a new manager. “Must have experience” read the telling lines. They were telling in the fact that no one wanted to manage Everton at that time. Then after a hijacking of Walter Smith who had verbally accepted the position at Sheffield Wednesday, the chain of events began that started the revival of this club-one of the numerous sleeping giants dozing in the top flight. Walter Smith was largely responsible for the departure of the Hated Peter Johnson and despite some promising signings, bad luck and ultimately bad judgement led to the sacking of Walter Smith and the signing of David Moyes. According to the press Smith recommended Moyes, which was the best and final signing he made for the club. When David Moyes arrived there was mostly joy, there were a few cynics who thought that after the honeymoon period the young manager would be out of his depth. The honeymoon period was taken for granted. Ask Sunderland fans if they would have liked a similar period and they would tell you definitely yes.
I first read about David Moyes in the Express on a Saturday in the Swiss Cottage Pub. I was in Peterborough going to see the REAL POSH play. The article said Moyes was a pleasant, clever Scotsman who had really turned things around at Preston. They were playing nice passing football and there aspirations were high, all because of ‘David’s enthusiasm’.
So now what? Now is the time for every Everton Fan to fully enjoy a feeling not felt in years. Every game is part of history that may lead to greater things. Moyes has made it clear that he wants to win trophies, and by the looks of things at Everton Football Club – he will.